The Gaza conflict continues to escalate as negotiations for a ceasefire remain at an impasse. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US claims of nearing an agreement, stating that there is ‘no deal in the making’. Netanyahu insists on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14 km strip of land on the border between Gaza and Egypt, citing it as crucial for Israel’s security and preventing Hamas from rearming.On the other hand, Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, as a condition for any ceasefire agreement. Khalil al-Haya, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, has called on the US to ‘exert real pressure’ on Israel to achieve a ceasefire and conclude a prisoner exchange agreement.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Reports indicate the spread of diseases, including the first polio case in 25 years, prompting a massive vaccination effort. Nearly 200,000 children in central Gaza have received a first dose, with the campaign aiming to fully vaccinate over 640,000 children.In Israel, protests have intensified, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand an end to the war and the release of hostages. The protests, led by the families of the hostages, have been supported by major labor unions, including the Histadrut, which has called for a general strike.The US administration, along with Qatar and Egypt, continues to mediate efforts to reach an agreement. However, both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of blocking negotiations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the implementation of a ceasefire depends on the actions of both Hamas and Israel, and expects a final response from both sides in the coming days.As the conflict stretches on, the international community, including the UN and human rights organizations, continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Key points
- Netanyahu rejects claims of an imminent ceasefire agreement, insisting on control over the Philadelphi Corridor.
- Hamas demands complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and calls for US pressure on Israel.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with reports of disease outbreaks and a massive vaccination campaign.
- Protests in Israel intensify, with thousands demanding an end to the war and release of hostages.
- US continues mediation efforts, expecting final responses from both sides in coming days.
Contradictions👾While US officials claim that about 90% of the terms of the final agreement had been agreed upon, Netanyahu insists that there is ‘no deal in the making’ and that Hamas has rejected all proposals.
👾Netanyahu states that Israel has agreed to several proposals, but Hamas accuses him of using negotiations to prolong the aggression.
